More than 1,000 people have signed an online petition backing the case for a new campus on Mull rather than a renovation of Tobermory High School.
Mum Emily Greenhalgh, who started the drive, says the backing shows the strength of feeling that a revamp job of Mull’s current high school premises will not suffice.
She joined other protestors to meet with Argyll and Bute MP Brendan O’Hara outside the school to discuss the issue that will come before councillors on April 12.
In 2023, Scottish Government education funding to help build a new campus was won after a successful bid was lodged by Argyll and Bute Council. But islanders were shocked earlier this year when an option was spotted in budget papers proposing a refurbishment of Tobermory High School instead - without any public consultation.
Some councillors have requested to view the school before they vote on both options, but a look inside the building was not secured for last week’s visitors.
Ms Greenhalgh says even looking from outside shows the school is in a terrible state, with visible holes in windows and doors, rotting window lintels, disappearing pebble-dash and gauges showing movement in the building.
She has been busy raising awareness and spreading the word among Argyll councillors to top level government ministers and shadow ministers to make sure the matter is well publicised.
There are also major concerns about what would happen to the current High School’s current pupils if a refurbishment is given the go ahead.
Ms Greenhalgh says she has had a positive meeting with MP Brendan O’Hara, who has pledged to ensure correct and fair decision-making procedures were followed by Argyll and Bute Council.
She added: "We are doing everything we can to make sure the situation is transparent and open as it can be and that no decisions are made under the cloak of darkness."
Mr O’Hara said: "It was good to have the opportunity when I was in Tobermory to meet up with some of those leading the campaign for the new school.
"The community of Mull have been promised a new campus, and that promise must be kept. The existing school is simply not fit for purpose and it is far from being an environment that is conducive to good learning.
"I know that in their budget the SNP-led opposition made the financial commitment to a new-build, and I fully support that commitment.”
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.